Kalmar County, south-east coast · Sweden
A Renaissance castle on the Baltic and a long, sunny island of windmills and wildflowers.
Photo: Pudelek · CC BY-SA 4.0
Kalmar is a gentle coastal town on the Baltic Sea, with one of the finest Renaissance castles in northern Europe. Kalmar Castle, rebuilt in the 16th century, was the site of the Kalmar Union that joined Denmark, Norway and Sweden, and today hosts exhibitions and events.
A six-kilometre bridge links Kalmar to Oland, a long, narrow island with a unique landscape. The Stora Alvaret limestone plain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with rare plants and birds, hundreds of old windmills, sandy beaches and the ruins of Borgholm Castle. The summer palace of the royal family, Solliden, is nearby.
Oland is best enjoyed by bike, and summer weather is among the sunniest in Sweden. Midsummer and the Oland Harvest Festival draw crowds. Cultural events, farm shops and the long coast make this a relaxed family-friendly stop.
Why visit
Kalmar and Oland are a classic Swedish summer trip.
A Renaissance gem.
A 6 km crossing.
Unique limestone plain.
Hundreds across the island.
Sandy and sunny.
Main attractions
Highlights are across the island and town.
A fairytale castle by the water.
Tip Visit mid-morning.
A long bridge to the island.
Tip Drive or cycle.
A limestone plain with rare flora.
Tip Visit in May and June.
Ruins above the town.
Tip Great views.
The royal summer home and gardens.
Tip Open in summer.
Sweden's tallest lighthouse.
Tip Climb for views.
Things to do
Outdoor and slow.
Flat paths.
Tip Hire a bike.
Rooms and dungeons.
Tip Allow two hours.
Photo stops.
Tip Across the island.
Summer.
Tip Pack a picnic.
Migration season.
Tip Bring binoculars.
Farm shops.
Tip Eat local.
Local food
Oland has local specialities.
Potato dumplings.
Where to try it Local cafes.
Local meat.
Where to try it Restaurants.
Summer treat.
Where to try it Roadside.
Coastal.
Where to try it Markets.
Cinnamon bun.
Where to try it Bakeries.
Accommodation
Stay in Kalmar or on the island.
Transport
Kalmar is reached by train or air.
Cycling and driving.
When to go
Summer is warm and sunny.
Midsummer and wildflowers.
Warm and busy.
Quiet.
Cold and closed.
Worth planning around: Winter, when many sights close.
Itinerary
Castle and windmills.
Castle
Cycling
Windmills
Travel tips
Tips.
FAQ
Three days.
Yes.
June to August.
Moderate.
A short drive.
A limestone plain.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Kalmar and Oland, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Gotland County, Baltic Sea, Sweden
A UNESCO-listed Hanseatic town with a 3.4 km medieval wall, church ruins, and an island of raukar sea stacks, sandy beaches and medieval churches.
Don't miss Walking the ring wall at sunset, with ruined churches glowing in the light.
Explore Destination — Visby and GotlandSkane County, southern Sweden, Sweden
Sweden's third city: Turning Torso, Lilla Torg, the medieval Malmohus castle, Ribersborg beach, Western Harbour and an easy hop to Copenhagen.
Don't miss Taking a cold plunge at Ribersborg then a falafel in Mollevangen.
Explore Destination — MalmoStockholm County, east coast, Sweden
Sweden's elegant island capital: Gamla Stan, the Royal Palace, the Vasa Museum, Skansen, City Hall, design shops and an archipelago on its doorstep.
Don't miss Wandering the cobbled lanes of Gamla Stan, then a waterside fika in the sun.
Explore Destination — StockholmRead next
Heritage
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